Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Utopia Parkway - Mad Props #2

Mad Props to Adam Schlesinger. You may not have heard his name before, but chances are you've heard his music. He's the pop mastermind behind the bands Fountains of Wayne and Ivy. FOW, most famous for their hit "Stacy's Mom," produce some of the best power-pop out there. Each of their albums combines catchy melodies with painfully humourous lyrics, creating addictive songs you can't help but sing along with. Ivy, however, is a much more mellow lounge-pop band fronted by Dominique Durand, whose voice is equal parts Nico sultry and Edie Brickell laxness. When an Ivy song comes up on my iPod, it's suddenly a lazy Sunday afternoon in the park.Besides writing songs and playing in these two bands, Schlesinger also writes songs for such movies as "Josie and the Pussycats," "Music and Lyrics," and "That Thing You Do!" even earning an Oscar nomination.Most recommended are FOW's "Welcome Interstate Managers," and Ivy's "In the Clear." Though both albums are totally different, you'll be able to hear Adam's presence on both. And chances are, you'll be addicted immediately.